DAILY OM.....Being a Strong Container

Grounding Ourselves

 When we are grounded, we essentially become a strong container in which our spirits can safely and productively dwell.

We often hear people telling us to ground ourselves, but we may not be sure what that means and how we might do it. Grounding ourselves is a way of bringing ourselves literally back to earth. Some of us are more prone than others to essentially leaving our bodies and not being firmly rooted in our bodies. There's nothing terribly wrong with this, but while we are living on the earth plane it is best to stay grounded in the body.

One of the easiest ways to ground ourselves is to bring our attention to our breath as it enters and leaves our bodies. After about 10 breaths, we will probably find that we feel much more connected to our physical selves. We might then bring our awareness to the sensations in our bodies, moving from our head down to our feet, exploring and inquiring.

Just a few minutes of this can bring us home to bodies and to the earth, and this is what it means to ground ourselves.

We can go further by imagining that we have roots growing out of the bottoms of our feet, connecting us to the earth. The roots flow with us so we can we always move, but at the same time they keep us grounded.

We receive powerful energy from the earth just as we do from the forms of energy we associate with the sky, and our body is a tool that brings these two energies together in a sacred union.

When we are grounded, we essentially become a strong container in which our spirits can safely and productively dwell. This is why grounding ourselves every day, especially at the beginning of the day, is such a beneficial practice.

Fortunately, it's as simple as bringing our conscious awareness to our bodies and the earth on which we walk.




What do you think?

Autumn Sunsets

It's your birthday
and as another Autumn sunset approaches,
I can see us
meeting for the first time
along the New England shores
 to share adventures
from footprints of traveled miles
we distanced in time
Excited to be greeting you finally
face to face
you wait for me to join you
Quietly....as I approach you
I attempt to catch up
with my own breath
 

Standing there, amazed I am
amidst the beauty
and the nakedness of the moment,
as the Earth permits our presence
--our present to each other--
to conjugate
I notice the clouds over us
cover us
as they begin to form the answers
I tried so hard not to give
Instinctively...your arms call for me,
wide open,
as they encircle me,
your heart warming mine,
bringing me in real time
to the peace you so often wanted to give to me
inside the safety
of this long awaited hug

We exchange subliminal thank yous
for all the love
we shared for each other

Our sanctified love
is finally consummated
The reverence in your soft unnamed smiles
and engaging embrace
humbled me
Your wisdom,
beyond my years
and beyond the hills I have climbed,
 makes me feel closer to you
even though I am older
and despite where our paths have lead

I wonder can you tell
how much I've missed you,
though I've never met you
So much...that you have me glowing
like a long lost love returning home
You feed me strength
from wherever you are,
 you call it some kind of internal earned freedom
that no one should ever be able
to take away from you

I plan to bask in it, today

 
We walked towards the car
silhouetted in an excited, anxious stride,
almost like children at play,
not knowing what to expect
but totally expecting to be enlightened
along the way
And, with my back
against the orange sunsets
I pledged to myself
and to Him who
made this day possible
we're going to have a wonderful day

I stop right in front of you
knowing it would surprise you
 as something whispers,
"hug her again"
So...I hug you again
 like no body's watching
and like nobody else exists
I'm sure everyone around us understands
I promise you
this is not the last time

Inside your arms at last...
now the rest of the story
can be told
 My eyes search the heavens
whispering in gratitude
of a friendship that grew
from patience and respect
We finally have a name
to apply to those moments
that smiles just take over,
a contour to hold onto
when we need a hug
and now
we have a time to return to
when our presence can't attend

 In that golden afternoon,
abstractly called evening,
faraway never seemed so near
as in the poems we wrote,
the stories we told,
and to the memories that never grow old

Impossible has lost it's strength
anger has eased
and with no explanation needed
we have these short but sweet
 minutes to seize
 
With eyes like photographers
...
we snapped each others picture
You call me
woman of life and soul
full of love
and I call you
....
Inspiration






jakuper 11/22/10

 

DAILY OM.....Right Where We Are

Enlightenment At Home
 You don't need to travel to a far away land to become enlightened; it isn't the place, it's the practice.

Many spiritual seekers feel called to far-flung places across the globe in the interest of pursuing the path of their enlightenment. This may indeed be the right course of action for certain people, but it is by no means necessary to attaining an enlightened consciousness. Enlightenment can take root anywhere on earth, as long as the seeker is an open and ready vessel for higher consciousness. All we need is a powerful intention, and a willingness to do the work necessary to moving forward on our path.

In terms of spiritual practice, at this moment, there are more tools available to more people than at any other time in history. We have access to so much wisdom through the vehicles of books, magazines, the Internet, television, and film. In addition, the time-honored practice of meditation is free, and sitting quietly everyday, listening to the universe, is a great way to start the journey within. There is further inspiration in the fact that the greatest teachers we have are our own life experiences, and they come to us every day with new lessons and new opportunities to learn. If we look at the people around us, we may realize that we have a spiritual community already intact, and if we don't, we can find one, if not in our own neighborhood, then on-line.

Meanwhile, if we feel called to travel in search of teachers and experiences, then by all means, we should. But if we can't go to India, or Burma, or Indonesia, or if we don't have the desire, this is not an obstacle in terms of our spiritual development. In fact, we may simply be aware that our time and energy is best spent in our own homes, with our meditation practice and all the complications and joys of our own lives. We can confidently stay in one place, knowing that everything that we need to attain enlightenment is always available right where we are.



What do you think?

Sunday Inspiration.......I'll Trust You

"All that the Father gives me will come to me,
and whoever comes to me
I will never cast out"

John 6:37



Hear and listen and consider
that in the midst of the storm there is peace.
When nights make you sad
and tears fill your eyes
It always is a signal
that something big is happening inside
It is God never missing a chance
to show off and let us know
...
He's by our side

In the quiet and slumber of night,
He teaches us patience and success
Not perfection...because that causes a mess
Enduring silent libraries of darkness and trials
puts us in the midst of His saving hands
He is our shield and our light in the right direction
When mistakes seem inevitable and numerous too
He is always there to carry you through

Denying Him doesn't mean He doesn't exist
He lets us know He is in control
breaking down barriers
that from day to day vex the soul
Look at the world and how narrow hope may seem
There is much comfort in knowing
and trusting Him
Life becomes a new journey and not so much a mystery
as He maketh us to lie down
in pastures of green

Tomorrow...FIAF #11

...."Tomorrow is another day...
your girl is in a better place, boy"

I wish I could ease your pain.
It's gonna be alright....cheer up, my friend
Sometimes it's so...difficult
Don't feel alone...you always got me
I lost my girl, too

we gonna make it

Finish The Thought

What time did you get up this morning?

 How do you like your steak?

 What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

What is your favorite T.V show?

 If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

 What did you have for breakfast?

 What is your favorite thing to read?

 What foods do you dislike?

 Favorite Place to Eat?

What kind of vehicle do you drive?

 What color are your favorite shoes?

 Where would you visit if you had the chance? 

Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full

 Favorite time of day?

What is your favorite sport to watch?

Who are you most curious about their responses to this? 

girl/guy watcher?

Are you a morning person or a night person?

 Pets?

 Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share?

 What did you want to be when you were little?

 Are you married?

 Always wear your seat belt?

 Been in a car accident?

 Any pet peeves?

 Favorite burger toppings?

 Favorite ice cream?

Done anything spontaneous lately?

 Like your job?

 Broccoli or Cauliflower?

 Where did you take your favorite vacation at?

Last person you went out to dinner with?

One person on your page you'd like to take to dinner?

  What music are you listening to right now?

 What is your favorite color?

How many tattoos do you have?

 Coffee drinker?

 

Now, Pay Attention.....FIAF #10

Just play it cool
and this promotion is yours, girlfriend

"un-huhhh"

Now, pay attention

She's going to attempt to use her charms on him
He's pretending to like the attention
He'll set up a meeting with her
for later
but...he'll make some excuse
He won't show up

because he will be with his man







jakuper (11/13/10)

Interview by Carissa

The Rules 

According to Paul (robbermouse), creator of this game.
- you can ask me 5 questions that I'll try to answer for you... send them in a PM titled INTERVIEW and I'll blog the answers...
- keep the questions relatively clean...
- this is reciprocal... if you interview me... you can bet your ass I'm gonna do it to you... so - - - sending me questions is an agreement to play this
- I'm also gonna ID you so don't ask anything you don't wanna put your hand up for...
- this is not a tag...











Questions

1) If you could get rid of one bad thing in this world, what would it be and why?

Hatred!  See, I got this idea that if we all learn to love each other, we can eradicate poverty, crime, violence, and every flaw known to man.  Also that we could learn just what real love is. Hey, I know it's a dream...but it's my dream  lol


2) If you had the choice of living life rich and alone or poor and in love, which would it be and why?

I think you know me well enough to know how I will answer this one, seeing that I write so much about being in love.  ' Poor and in love '....money never did it for me, but being in love...hell, it feels like you rich!   lol


3) What is a time in your life you would replay?

I used to say when I turned 30, but as the years grow older, I don't know.  maybe when I was 24, and had my son.  Maybe I wouldn't have been so anxious to prove my love...sigh


4) If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

To the Niagara falls, because it has been a dream for all of my lifetime.  Water and I have this secret affection.  I have a thing for waterfalls, too.  Not to mention I am a true Aquarius.  To stand under that water, and let it baptize me....lol


5) Who has inspired you most in your life?

Probably Oprah.  Watching her go from a small town anchor woman to a billionaire, in my lifetime...that has got to be the best feeling.  Not for the money, but to excel at something that you love doing...

Interview by Tammy (coyotedreams)

The Rules 

According to Paul (robbermouse), creator of this game.
- you can ask me 5 questions that I'll try to answer for you... send them in a PM titled INTERVIEW and I'll blog the answers...
- keep the questions relatively clean...
- this is reciprocal... if you interview me... you can bet your ass I'm gonna do it to you... so - - - sending me questions is an agreement to play this
- I'm also gonna ID you so don't ask anything you don't wanna put your hand up for...
- this is not a tag...






Questions

1. What is your earliest childhood memory?

I think my earliest childhood memory is bringing in wood in the Winter time with my twin sister, and as we raced to see who could get the most wood, she pushed me on the stove, and burned what was my whole forearm, and part of my hand.  I remember laying in bed covered with white sheets, and this strange lady 'talked' the fire/burning out of my arm.  I was groggy for days after wards, but it healed so fast...

I don't even want to think what kind of woman that was....lol 

 

2. What was the impetus that got you into writing?

I was very shy when I was young...so shy that when I talked I stuttered.  I made friends easy because I was so smart in elementary school, and my best friend (still my best friend today) would tell me to write what I wanted to say and she would read it to the class.  It got me into writing, and her, too.



3. What "embarrassing moment" taught you the most valuable lesson?

Wow, I think the most valuable lesson I learned from an embarrassing moment came when I was playing with my friends on what we used to call "May Day".  We were coming in from playing softball, and I was clowning with the bat, trying to run from my friends, and one guy, Bernard, tagged me.  I was so hyped that I threw the bat at him.  It hit him, and knocked him out.  He was rushed to the hospital, and stayed in critical condition for years.  he eventually came back to school, and told me he didn't blame me, but I still blame me, to this day.....(.wow@ remembering that)



4. Spring, summer, autumn or winter and why?

Autumn..it's a time to take stock of what you have, and celebrate who you've become.  It's a gorgeous season to be outside, and take in nature's beauty.  it represents when things are 'full' of life...



5. What ancestor would you want to meet if you had the opportunity to do so?

Probably my grandfather. Strangely enough, one day I was online, in a psychic readers chat room on Yahoo years ago, and this medium told me my grandparents were sitting right beside me.  I asked her to describe them to me.  Well she described my grandmother to a tee, but I never saw my grandfather.  I would like to meet him, or see him to know if she was telling the truth or not...I know--crazy

Interview by " Endlessspace "

The Rules 

According to Paul (robbermouse), creator of this game.
- you can ask me 5 questions that I'll try to answer for you... send them in a PM titled INTERVIEW and I'll blog the answers...
- keep the questions relatively clean...
- this is reciprocal... if you interview me... you can bet your ass I'm gonna do it to you... so - - - sending me questions is an agreement to play this
- I'm also gonna ID you so don't ask anything you don't wanna put your hand up for...
- this is not a tag...






The Questions


1.) Which lesson learned stands out the most to you in your life?

That is easy.  The most important lesson I learned in my life is..."It's not about me".  Boy, when I learned that, everything I thought I knew...went down the drain.  What I knew about life, love, spirituality, people, and emotions are subjective.  What I don't know will make another world.  That is why I soak up knowledge, cultures, and any information I can use to make me a better and more useful person.



2.) Which is more important: Being kind or being honest?

Even though I know being honest is very important, and required of us, being kind weighs in more with me. It falls slightly under mercy and grace.  You can gain a friend or an ally by being kind quicker than being honest.  If it's possible to be both, hey, that's a plus!  I try to blend a little of both in when possible.....



3.) What would you consider to be your biggest personality flaw?

My biggest flaw...hmmm.  Probably my self-esteem.  I am my worst critic, and I tend to shy away from being completely open one on one.  To say where it came from, would be for me to go back in time, to my childhood.  But, I am a work in progress.....



4.) Can you describe a time when you were wrongfully discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, etc?

I think the first thing that comes to mind is when I was outed on my job because I was dating a woman, and some of my friends acted like I had the cooties.  Amazingly I did not lose the job, but I lost some of the friends who I thought loved me anyway.  They said they loved me, but couldn't accept my choice to love, and live with a woman.  So they drifted away.



5.) What do you consider to be your best personality trait?

My best personality trait is my genuine love for people, for how it is easy to like the differences in people...until they show me that our personalities can't mix.  Not many people I find that I don't like.  I am very forgiving, and I try to not lose those close to me.  yep, I'm that friend to the end.....

Interview by " Roggyrugrat "

The Rules  

According to Paul (robbermouse), creator of this game.
- you can ask me 5 questions that I'll try to answer for you... send them in a PM titled INTERVIEW and I'll blog the answers...
- keep the questions relatively clean...
- this is reciprocal... if you interview me... you can bet your ass I'm gonna do it to you... so - - - sending me questions is an agreement to play this
- I'm also gonna ID you so don't ask anything you don't wanna put your hand up for...
- this is not a tag...





The Questions

1. What is the one thing or trait you have that you would never change or trade in for something else?

My unconditional love for people.  Not sure where it came from, but it has flourished within me as I've gotten older and more in touch with who I am.  I am always able to put myself in perspective,and am now learning to do the same to others...



2. If you were in a position of authority and you found someone to be stealing, and this person begs you because he or she is desperate and only stole because his or her family is starving, what would you do?

I would still punish them, but the punishment would not be so harsh that it takes away that person's esteem....because I would be thinking, there but for the grace of God goes I.  I can't say what I would do if in that same situation.  I believe in showing mercy, because I know I am going to need some, too.....



3. What is your most embarrassing moment?

Well, that's hard.  I can think of only one embarrassing moment right now, and that was with my stepfather.  When I was 30 years old, I became involved in a lesbian relationship with my then best friend.  We were together all the time.  When we came to my house, my stepfather would inadvertently make passes at her because he thought we were just friends.  I guess he found out we were more than friends, somehow,and he asked me straight up, in front of my son, my sisters, and my girlfriend, "You fucking this woman?  Is you? Is you and this woman fucking?"  He was so mad.  I didn't answer him, but everyone knew...except him.

It destroyed our close friendship and we've been estranged every since.  I probably seen him maybe 10 times since then, and he said I would ruin my son's life by being with a woman.  My son is now 23 yrs old and very masculine.  He loves women, and he loves me, probably more now than then....



4. What do you prefer in a man - strong sturdy arms and a wall of a chest or taut thighs, irresistible abs and hard iron ass?

LOL.  I love all of those things on a man!  I love looking at sexy men, and seeing sexy couples of men and women.  I think the arms, and the 6pack do a little something for me  lol  

Now if you asked me about a woman, that's a whole new ballgame  !



5. There are many different meanings of love, as it is subjective to different people. What is your definition of love?

My definition of love is simply the agape definition (unselfish love of one person for another).   Love is the most powerful force on Earth.  It is able to make you kill.  It can heal you, drive you, and stop you right in your tracks.  It will not be denied.  It cannot be contained...and when it is all said and done...only love will be standing.

Friendship Lost.........FIAF #9

I remember not long ago
 we laughed,
loved,
 we shared everything
 The best of friends
or....at least I thought.
I wonder why friendships end
when one friend falls in love

Thought we were loyal
 Thought we were true
What happens

Just wave you off
buh bye

 Friendship lost
Is a very sad thing








jakuper (11/8/10)

Join me in saying, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CARISSA!!!

not dependent on who we were
but who we are now
Our bond,
characteristic of the values we were taught
and those we wish to learn

We are reciprocally acquainted
almost a mirror of each other
seeing what the other cannot see

a solidarity happens
a respect that builds
as the foundation is filled
with understanding
forgiveness
patience
and intuition
and experience
when we are at our best

The other half of who I'd like to be,
we bond so easily

With the tenacity of a mustard seed
We grow
together
like siamese twins
like re-connected kin

no identifying marks

just a life enhancing respect

mutually earned
with shared intentions
You are a Treasure
someone I can always turn to
when I need the absolute truth
when my spirit needs a lift
Your perception of things
is a beautiful gift

You make the world I live in
a peaceful,
yet powerful place
......
my best forever friend!




jakuper (1/27/09)